ISTE 2025 Deep Dive: AI Creativity, UDL Makeovers & Student Cyber Defenders
Release Date: 07/17/2025
Epic Elementary Super Show: Executive Functioning, Reading, Math Differentiation, and More
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
Why are students forgetting everything you just told them? How do class rosters make or break a school year? This Epic Elementary Supershow brings together seven expert educators to tackle the challenges elementary teachers face every day. From executive functioning to differentiated math instruction to a remarkable story of 91% reading proficiency, this episode delivers research-backed strategies you can use right away. Guests featured in this episode: Dr. Sarah Oberle — Executive functioning in the elementary classroom Carrie Hetzel — Class rostering for balanced classrooms Dr. Carol...
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Learning That Sticks: Attention, Memory, and AI
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
This episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk focuses on a challenge many teachers face right now: keeping student attention strong while navigating the rise of artificial intelligence in classrooms. We explore how learning science, memory strategies, and thoughtful AI use can help students focus, remember more, and think more deeply. With insights from Blake Harvard and Mary Ehrenworth, this conversation connects research-backed teaching practices with real classroom needs. If you want practical ways to strengthen learning without losing the human heart of teaching, this episode is for you. What...
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How Faith Changes the Way You Teach
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
Loneliness. Hopelessness. A search for purpose. These are some of the deepest struggles we face today. But what if the answer isn't found in accomplishments, possessions, or fleeting distractions? What if the answer is found in a relationship with the One who knows you, loves you, and created you with a purpose? This Christmas, I'm stepping aside from our regul ar episodes to share something deeply personal: how I talk about Jesus in my classroom. As a Christian educator, I believe every child is a masterpiece, and I strive to teach in a way that reflects the love and truth of Christ. In...
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The Science of Attention: How One Teacher Changed Everything
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference. In this episode, host Vicki Davis sits down with Myriam Da Silva, AI ethicist, neuroeducation leader, and CEO of , to explore how attention actually works in the brain and what that means for today’s classrooms. Rather than telling students to “just pay attention,” this conversation breaks down the different states of attention, why sustained focus is biologically limited, and how teachers can design lessons that align with how the brain learns best. You’ll hear...
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Smart AI Use for Schools: Trust, Teaching, and Thinking Skills
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
Artificial intelligence is accelerating faster than most schools can respond—and the greatest risk isn’t the technology itself, but how unprepared we are to lead, teach, and think in this new era. In this powerful episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Dr. Nancy Frey and Vickie Echols offer a practical, grounded roadmap for navigating AI with clarity and confidence. Dr. Nancy Frey, Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University, breaks down how AI is reshaping classrooms, assessments, and the ways students process information. She explains the essential “Levels of AI...
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The Real Deal: Real AI, Real Learning and Real Homework Hacks
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis explores the “real deal” of AI, education, and student learning. First, AI expert Robert “the AI Guy” Benjamin demystifies leading models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini—and explains why critical thinking matters more than ever. Then, Zach Kinsler from Boodle Box shares insights on working in the AI industry and how young people can use AI responsibly. Next, Courtney Walker, NASSP’s 2024 National Assistant Principal of the Year, reveals how personalized learning pathways are transforming teacher development, while Misa...
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Igniting Math Education with Project, Play and Passion
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
In this final episode of our three-part math series, we explore how to transform math classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven environments. Instead of rote memorization, top educators share play-based strategies, project-based learning ideas, and mastery-based instruction to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematics. Whether you're a math teacher, school leader, or parent, this episode provides practical techniques and real-world applications to make math fun, meaningful, and relevant for students. Show notes: 📌 In This Episode: ✔️ How play-based learning...
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Improving Math Classrooms with PROVEN Methods and Strategies
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
How can we make math classrooms more engaging and effective? In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, I explore brain-based learning, real-world math engagement, differentiation, and mastery-based learning with top experts. Learn how to reduce math anxiety, foster curiosity, and create meaningful learning experiences that help every student succeed. Featuring insights from Liesl McConchie, Dan Meyer, Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson, and Joe Manfre, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform your math classroom! Show notes and bios:
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Making Math ENGAGING: Busting Myths and Boosting Learning
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
This is part of a 3 part series on math education. We start with Dr. Erin Krupa who shares the research about what works in math and is turning math into SharkTank-style adventures. Dr. Lidia Gonzalez, author of Bad at Math, is dismantling the harmful beliefs that hold our students back. Show notes:
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Math Fact Tips and AI Safety News Everyone Needs to Know
Cool Cat Teacher Talk
This episode of my weekly radio/TV show Cool Cat Teacher Talk spotlights two important topics. First, I Have eight news stories that you'll want to hear about AI. Then, I have interviews with math educators Dr. Jennifer Bay-Williams and Dr. Gina Kling, co-authors of Math Fact Fluency: 60+ Games and Assessment Tools to Support Learning and Retention. We'll dive into how to help children learn math in a low-stress way and they'll give us their favorite math games. Then, at the end of the show, I'll unpack the parent lawsuit against ChatGPT and share the lessons we can learn (and how I'm talking...
info_outlineWhen I lost my voice after ISTE/ASCD, my son John stepped in – and together we bring you game-changing insights on AI in education that challenge everything you've heard about robots replacing teachers.
Join us for exclusive interviews with three experts who are reshaping how we think about AI in schools:
- Dr. Sarah Thomas reveals how AI becomes a "creativity amplifier,"
- Dr. Caitlin Tucker exposes why AI-generated lessons are failing (and what actually works), and
- Jay James shares how Auburn University students defend against real cyber attacks while having an opportunity to enter a field that currently has $90,000 starting salaries.
Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/ai-cybersecurity-and-the-future-of-teaching-key-insights-from-iste-2025
This Episode Features:
- Dr. Sarah Thomas (Regional Technology Coordinator, Prince George's County Public Schools) on using AI to reclaim your creative genius
- Dr. Caitlin Tucker (Author of "Elevating Educational Design with AI") on the UDL framework that makes AI actually useful for differentiation
- Jay James (Auburn University) on building student-powered cybersecurity programs that protect schools while creating career pathways
Key Topics Covered:
- Ai Updates: The Good, the Challenging, and the Practical
- AI as a Creativity Amplifier with Dr. Sarah Thomas
- Do AI Lesson Planners Measure Up? with Dr. Catlin Tucker
- Cybersecurity Education Through Real-World Experience with Jay James from Auburn University
- The Human Element - Why AI Can't Replace Teaching Relationships
- My 6 Key Tools Highlighted from ISTE 2025
- Instagram's School Safety Partnership - A Game Changer for Digital Wellbeing
Major Announcements from ISTE/ASCD:
- Microsoft Copilot now available for schools (ages 13+)
- Google Gemini launches for all ages with Classroom integration
- New AI rubric conversion tools that actually work
- Apple's strategic delay of AI features until 2026
- Instagram's partnership with ISTE for anti-bullying programs
- Concerns we should have about some of these announcements
Whether you're AI-curious or AI-concerned or somewhere in between (like me), this episode provides practical, research-backed strategies for thoughtful integration that enhances rather than replaces great teaching.
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